My first closed end tortoise fountain pen

[mrburls]

This is my first attempt at a closed end pen. I learned alot during this attempt. Was going to be a rollerball but about a 1/8 - 1/4 inch to short after drilling my second hole for the spring. Was afraid till I cleaned up the end the hole might show so went with a fountain pen. Used the Arizona Silhouette mandrel. Went so well decided to do the cap end also. Used an El Grande Elite center band. I liked the look without a clip so left it that way. My next attempt I want to thread my own threads to do away with the centerband.
The material I used was tortoise acrylic. Overall I was happy with my first try at this.

Keith "mrburls"

 

[fernhills]

Looks real good from here, way over in the northeast. Carl

 

[el_d]

Looks good Keith, you may be venturing into a "kitless"tutorial at the next centex gtg.

 

[dow]

Very Nice, Keith. Someday I'll give that a try.

 

[glycerine]

That's nice. I have a tortoise shell blank that I am waiting to use. I want to do the same thing, but I've only done one closed end and it didn't turn out like I planned. Your's looks great!

 

[Whaler]

That's a great looking pen Keith.

 

[cnirenberg]

Good looking pen. I like the clip-less design.

 

[artme]

Keith I really like that pen. The blank and kit go well together but the line really catches the eye. Well done.

 

[bitshird]

Excellent match up, I really like your work.

 

[BigguyZ]

Very nice! Where'd you get the tortoise blank?

 

[mrburls]

Thanks for positive comments guys.
The tortoise blank came from Craft Supplies USA.
The profile of pen just came to me as I was turning. I knew I wanted some sort of curve towards the nib end and it just turned from there.
I was amazed how light weight the pen is without the metal ends. I definately will be making more. It just is more satisfying when finished than pressing parts together.

Keith "mrburls"

 

[Ligget]

Cool pen Keith, the shape is great!

 

[Mrs Rojo22]

Nice Pen!

Robin